8

[Jade’s pov]

I felt my heart pounding as the man's strong arms scooped me up, effortlessly carrying me outside the building. His authoritative voice resonated as he ordered his men, instructing them to clear the entire premises and send the sex workers back to their homes. My head spun and the world around me seemed to blur as he carried me away, and it did not take long before unconsciousness completely engulfed me.

When I finally came to consciousness I found myself in a cosy bed, the softness of the sheets comforting against my skin. I blinked groggily without any clue what was happening, trying to piece together what had happened. Just then the door swung open, and Lily hurried inside with her face filled with concern. She rushed to sit beside me on the bed, taking my hand in hers.
I had spent a lot of years there and knew that Lily was Ragnar’s sister. She and I had a good relationship and she always admired me. Then she got married to another alpha while I was away with the other servitude staff. Blaire didn’t want me there to be seen around as alpha Ragnar’s slave or mistress.

"Jade, are you okay? Oh my goodness! I did not know that my asshole brother would not be able to take care of you." She asked me with her tone extremely concerned about me, her voice filled with worry. "How is your health now? I am really sorry that I could not protect you, I missed you so much." I had no clue what Lily had been saying and from where did she even pop up out of nowhere.

Her caring words warmed my heart, and I managed a weak smile but my mind was still blank. "I am fine, Lily. I….I don’t know, there has been a lot going on while I have no idea what to do." I replied, my voice hoarse and I was barely able to control my tears. "Just a little shaken, but I will be alright. Thank you for being here."

Lily's eyes softened with relief to find me alive, and she gently squeezed my hand. "You had us all worried, Jade. Though I am really sorry for just disappearing without any notice." She admittedly apologised while everything flashed in my mind realising that where I was? "But I'm glad you are here now with me. We have been waiting anxiously for you to wake up."



My body and mind healed immediately, but curiosity gnawed at me that why I did not ask anything. I finally mustered the courage to ask Lily about my time unconscious and the events following my rescue. Sitting by the window on that lofty bed in the cosy room, I gazed at her and hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Lily?" I began with my voice soft but earnest to figure out more. “Where was I all this time? And where did you stay after you vanished? Where am I?” I had so many questions to ask but had no idea where to start. Why was I? And why was Lily there? Was I actually in a different pack now?
Lily took a deep breath as she hesitated to reply to me, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. She knew this moment would come, and she wanted to be honest with me. "Jade, the man who carried you out of that building is…my mate. We were all worried sick about you."
Listening to her words, I felt a mix of gratitude and curiosity. The fact that they had gone to such lengths to safeguard me made me feel both humbled and perplexed. "What? Oh my goodness! He is darn scary, Lily. What about you, Lily?" I was shocked and unable to comprehend if she was even happy with that scary looking guy.

I asked with concern for her well-being evident in my voice. "Where did you stay all this time? With him? If you were with your mate then why was Ragnar looking for you like a mad man? Oh my! Lily, you told me that you never left my side." I complained to her that she actually left me alone there in her brother’s clutches.

That asshole!
A faint blush appeared on Lily's cheeks as she smiled affectionately. "Yes, that's true. Don’t worry, I am happy with my mate. And I know why Ragnar had been looking for me and spreading that I had been kidnapped. But you don’t have to be worried about it.” she spoke while subtly hinting me that there was more to the whole picture.
Touched by her devotion and hints, I reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "Thank you for being here for me, Lily." I said sincerely knowing that I needed her presence there with me. "You have been with me through it all, and I can't express how much that means to me. I am glad you are here with me."
Her eyes sparkled with emotions and tears as mine, and she returned the squeeze and we both hugged. "You don't have to thank me, Jade.” She replied softly while patting on my back. "You are like family to me, Jade. And I would do anything to ensure your safety and well-being here."
The bond between us deepened in that moment, and I knew that our friendship was one that could face any storm. As Lily and I continued our conversation, a creaking sound from the door caught our attention. Both of us turned our heads to see a tall and buff man standing in the doorway.
He was the same man I saw before, he still had a commanding presence. I saw his serious expression softened by a warm smile when I noticed him looking at me. Why was Lily’s mate looking at me with affection?

My heart raced faster with discomfort and I instinctively grabbed Lily's arm, feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty at the sight of this imposing figure. Lily gently patted over my arm, reassuring me. "Don't worry, Jade. Zilver is a good man, he would never hurt you. He is here to check on you and make sure you have woken up."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves while glaring at that man called Zilver. "It is alright.” She whispered, giving me a comforting smile. "You are safe here with him."